Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick

Pinnacle debuts three USB TV tuner devices

Avid Technology today announced that its consumer division, Pinnacle Systems, is entering the market for Mac peripherals with three new USB TV tuner devices: two for the European market and one for the US market. The new portable Pinnacle TV for Mac Sticks are designed to turn any Mac into a full-featured TV receiver/recorder with a remote control. The Pinnacle TV for Mac DVB-T Stick enables European users to watch, "TimeShift," and record digital TV and radio (DVB-T) programs, while the Pinnacle TV for Mac Hybrid Stick delivers the same functionality along with analog TV reception and the ability to act as a video capture device. The Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick offers U.S. users access to ATSC HDTV directly on Mac systems while also supporting standard analog TV. The Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick is due to ship in March in the U.S. for $130 (pricing and availability of the European models was unavailable).

The devices feature USB 2.0 connectivity for high-quality video streaming to a Mac, and the Sticks are USB powered without the need for an external power supply. Each stick comes with a remote control, and connect to an external antenna via a built-in standard antenna input alongside a mini antenna for use indoors or in buildings where no external TV antenna is available.

Pinnacle TV for Mac Sticks ship with Elgato EyeTV Lite TV viewing and recording software, and the "TimeShifting" feature supports pausing and rewinding favorite shows. Users can record shows or schedule recordings ahead of time using the integrated electronics program guide (EPG), and can save recordings on the Mac's hard drive in DVD-quality MPEG-2 format. An included A/V adapter cable also enables users to import video from external sources such as camcorders.

Pinnacle TV for Mac HD Stick Overview

Experience both analog TV and the power of digital TV in HD with Pinnacle TV for Mac. Its ultra-portable stick form factor makes it easy to take your TV with you anywhere you go.

Key Features

Plug the Pinnacle TV for Mac stick directly into your computer’s USB 2.0 port to start experiencing the power of digital and analog TV – complete from your desk or the comfort of your couch. The ultra-portable stick along with the convenient antenna and mini remote make it easy to take your TV for Mac with you anywhere you go.

• Watch live HD or SD TV on your Mac
  
• Instantly turn your Mac into a personal video recorder
  
• Mini remote control and portable telescopic antenna included
  
• Take the ultra-compact tuner with you wherever you go
  
• View full screen TV or only partial screen TV when you have other tasks that need to be completed simultaneously
  
• Enjoy the stunning picture and sound quality of free-to-air HDTV (ATSC)
  
• Take control of TV — never miss an important moment with pause, rewind and replay
  
• Record your favorite TV programs — schedule recordings with integrated Electronic Program Guide
  
• Includes Elgato EyeTV® Lite TV viewing and recording software

Technical Specifications

Tuner

• Digital TV standard: ATSC (HD up to 1080i and SD)
• Analog TV standards: NTSC, PAL, SECAM

Minimum System Requirements

• Macintosh® computer with a PowerPC® G4, G5 or Intel Core® processor (For HDTV reception, a Dual PowerPC G5 or an Intel Core Duo processor is required)
• Mac OS X v10.4 or later
• Free USB 2.0 port
• 256 MB RAM (512 MB required for HDTV reception)
• Hard disk with minimum 1 GB free space (20 GB recommended for TV recording)
• CD or DVD drive
• USB 2.0 port

Hardware Specifications

Inputs & Outputs:

• TV Antenna F-Connector 75Ohm
• S-Video (via included adaptor cable)
• Composite Video (RCA, via included adaptor cable)
• Stereo Audio (1/8’’ jack, via included adaptor cable)

Remote control support

• Pinnacle remote control (included)
• Apple® remote control (separately available)

Product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

* ATSC, the new digital broadcast standard, is now available in many areas of the United States. ATSC reception is dependent on many factors. The provided antenna will allow reception in areas where there is a good ATSC signal. In regions or rooms where the signal is not strong, an amplified rooftop antenna will be required. It is generally not possible to receive an ATSC signal while en route (e.g. in a car or train). Please consult with your local reseller or go to www.antennaweb.org for more information on areas covered and optimizing your reception.